Explosive third quarter seals rout for Bulldogs

STOCKTON - Three touchdowns by Tracy's offense in the third quarter broke open a 3-point lead at halftime, and the Bulldogs put the finishing touches on an undefeated San Joaquin Athletic Association season.

STOCKTON - Three touchdowns by Tracy's offense in the third quarter broke open a 3-point lead at halftime, and the Bulldogs put the finishing touches on an undefeated San Joaquin Athletic Association season.

The Bulldogs earned a 38-0 shutout against Bear Creek Friday night at Podesto Field, as their defense allowed 110 yards by pressuring Bruins quarterback Zach Merseth, who completed 3 of 23 passes for 43 yards and no interceptions.

Tracy quarterback Damon Stroup said Bear Creek's defense was tougher than expected in the opening half, and the Bulldogs led 3-0 at the break. He then had touchdown runs of 1 and 15 yards to open the third quarter, which was followed by Nate Jones touchdowns of 11 and 49 yards.

"In the second half we played how we knew we could," said Stroup, who added a 19-yard touchdown pass to Josh Clark. "I've never won league before in any sport, so this feels good."

Tracy coach Matt Shrout said the Bruins (4-6, 3-2 SJAA) were clearly more motivated in the opening half than his Bulldogs (9-1, 5-0).

"They came out a lot more physical and gave it to us," Shrout said. "We didn't make any adjustments at halftime. We just had to go out and play hard. Our league is a league that you have to go undefeated to win it, so this means a lot."

Bear Creek had its chances to score twice but in each case the receiver, who was wide open due to broken assignments, dropped probable touchdowns.

A third Bear Creek touchdown pass was negated due to an illegal motion penalty.

"This was a tough one," Bear Creek coach Reggie Camp said. "We just couldn't get anything going in the second half."

Jones led all rushers with 151 yards on 15 carries, while Stroup rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries and completed three passes for 28 yards.